National Student Council

Imagine leading discussions in the halls of the White House, shaping educational policy alongside Members of Congress, and being featured in premier media outlets. It’s possible!

The National Student Council (NSC) is a dynamic assembly of elected and appointed student leaders hailing from every corner of the United States. It serves as a powerful advocate for students’ voices at the federal level, ensuring that their diverse perspectives and interests are integral to discussions surrounding education, schools, educators, and their futures.

There are two ways for students to get involved:

Did you miss the live National Student Council Information + Q&A Session?

You can now watch the webinar recording to find out how students can step up, run for the NSC office, and represent students nationwide. It’s more than a role; it’s a platform to influence real change. By watching this recording, students will uncover the ins and outs of applying for NSC, understand the responsibilities of serving on the council, learn more about the benefits of being an NSC officer, and how students will become pivotal voices in educational discourse and student advocacy through this experience. Watch now (Case Sensitive Passcode: N8Pr?Mat)

Benefits of Serving on the National Student Council

Unlock unparalleled opportunities with the National Student Council. Serving on this prestigious body not only enhances leadership skills but also opens doors to exclusive experiences in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Here are the top benefits for students:

• National Representation: Students on the National Student Council have the unique opportunity to represent their peers on a national platform, shaping policies that affect students nationwide. They meet with leaders in the White House, Congress, and the U.S. Department of Education, and represent student voices in major media outlets, playing a crucial role in national educational discourse.
  
  
• Leadership Skills: Council members polish essential leadership skills like public speaking, decision-making, and strategic planning. They engage in professional development activities, lead service projects, and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for future academic and career success.
  
  
• Networking Opportunities: Serving on the council connects students with a diverse network of student leaders, educators, policymakers, and industry professionals, offering invaluable opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and future career advancement.
  
  
• Exclusive Washington, D.C. Experience: High school participants in the council receive at least one all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., providing a firsthand experience of the nation’s political and educational hub and an opportunity to engage directly with influential leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

High School-level officer candidates and State Representative nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Be a rising Junior or Senior in high school.
• Attend a school with an active NASC membership.
• Have been an active member of their school’s student council for at least two years.
• Be able to travel alone to Washington, D.C. or other major U.S. cities.
• Commit to participating in nine (9) monthly virtual meetings and one (1) in-person gathering.

Middle-level officer candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a rising seventh or eighth grader in middle school.
• Attend a school with an active NASC membership.
• Have been an active member of their school’s student council for at least one year.
• Commit to participating in nine (9) monthly virtual meetings.

Explore the official bylaws to learn more about the National Student Council